Designs of Rubber Seals

The basic reason for using rubber seals is preventing fluid leakage between two joined surfaces. These seals are basically mechanical seals which are used in static as well as dynamic sealing applications. Rubber seals, made of natural rubber or synthetic rubber, are used in various industries like automotive, aerospace, construction etc. These seals are widely adopted in various applications because of features like resistance to aging, flame retardation ability etc.

Rubber Seals Designs
There are different varieties of rubber seals available in the market on the basis of their designs, materials, usage and applications. There are three popular designs of these seals and each design has its
distinct cross section. Let us discuss these designs below:

O-Rings
As the name suggests, these are round shaped seals, in the shape of O or a doughnut. It has the ability to do a sealing action by deforming to take the shape of the cavity and can easily fit into it. It can be a static seal or a dynamic seal. In static sealing, there is no or little motion between the mating surfaces. In dynamic sealing, a relative motion is seen between the mating surface. O ring has simple mounting requirements.

X-rings
The seal of this design is in the shape of the letter-X and hence referred as X-rings. At times, it is also known as Q-rings. Considered to be a better alternative to O-rings. Used mainly in rotary seal applications. X rings provide double-sealing action. They have a four-lobed configuration which prevent the seal from being twisted. With two sealing areas, they require less deformation to offer an effective sealing.

Square Rings
These are seals with square cross sections. Made of natural or synthetic rubber, these seals are used mainly in high pressure gasketing functions. Square rings are used in place of similar sized O-rings or other molded seals. They are ideal for static applications but not for dynamic sealing applications. Some basic advantages of square rings are controlled surface smoothness, better elasticity, correctly formed edges, and accurate hardness.

U-cup Seals
Another popular design of rubber seal is u-cup seals. They are mainly used for sealing rods or rams. With small gland spaces, they become all the more perfect. With U-shaped cross sections, self sealing is possible for both their inside and outside diameters. There are three varieties of such seals.

For more information, check out rubber seals. You can also get information and purchase wholesale all types of rubber and rubber products in this online b2b marketplace Industrial Rubber Goods.